Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2025 Nov 10. doi: 10.1007/s00787-025-02905-4. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) are common among children and adolescents and are associated with adverse outcomes. The aim of this meta-analysis was to synthesize evidence on their prevalence and associated risk factors. From inception to June 21, 2025, we searched the following four databases for relevant articles: EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science and PsycINFO. Pooled prevalence and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Risk factors were categorized into demographic, lifestyle, psychological, and behavioural domains. Heterogeneity was explored by subgroup analysis (including age, region, etc.) and sensitivity analysis. Publication bias was assessed by funnel plots, Egger’s test, and the trim and fill method. This research pooled 45 studies with a total of 353,350 participants. The overall prevalence of PLEs among children and adolescents was 20.9% (95% CI: 18.9-23.0). The prevalence was higher among children (9-12 years: 27.4%) than among adolescents (13-18 years: 19.5%) and varied by region (Europe: 29.2%; Africa: 10.0%). Twelve significant risk factors were identified. The strongest associations were for traumatic events (OR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.53-2.49), marijuana use (OR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.16-2.89), and alcohol consumption (OR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.19-2.55). Other factors included female sex, urban residence, family history of mental disorders, smoking, single-child family, left-behind children, sleep disorders, depression, and anxiety. PLEs are prevalent among young people. Screening and early intervention targeting modifiable risk factors, such as substance use and sleep disorders, may help reduce the long-term burden of PLEs.
PMID:41212288 | DOI:10.1007/s00787-025-02905-4
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